Remnants of Denikin Pogrom Bands Terrorize the Mountain Jews

June 28, 1928

Moscow (Jun. 27)

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

Former leaders of Denikin’s pogrom bands, now holding posts in the local Soviets in Daghestan, are terrorizing the mountain Jews, writes J. Larin, Jewish leader, active in the work of the Ozet, in an article appearing in the “Pravda”, the government organ.

The mountain Jews are in a terrible economic and political position, Larin writes. The authorities practice violece against them, assuming the character of massacres. The central government’s decisions to improve the position of the mountain Jews are blocked by the authorities who prevent the organization of Jewish Soviets where the Jews are settled in compact masses.

The heads of the Daghestan Republic do not punish those who are guilty and reject all Jewish complaints. Larin cites the instance of the Jewish peasants’ delegate, Antiloff who was sent to Moscow to voice the complaints of the Jews. Upon his return to Daghestan he was arrested, but finally acquitted.

Despite the 1926 pogrom in the capital, Machatchkala, and other towns following the spread of the ritual murder the spread of the ritual murder libel, the authorities did not change their hostile attitude to the Jews.

An investigation, leading to the punishment of the guilty, is demanded by Larin.